Ruth Elizabeth

Mrs. Ruth is a member of the communal bank "Nueva Amistad". She lives in the Cumbe Parish in Cuenca, a place known for its large cattle ranches, romantic old haciendas and other modern buildings that, while not keeping with traditional architecture, are not out of place and even add variety to the landscape. The people here are kind, polite and traditional and maintain their parents' culture.

Doña Ruth is 29, married and has a common-law husband and two children, ages 9 and 2. Her eldest is in school in the city. Her husband works as a heavy machinery driver. They live in their own home.

Mrs. Ruth sells vehicle lubricants and filters and has been in business for a year and a half. She works Monday through Saturday all day. She also raises pigs and guinea pigs.

Through the communal bank she is requesting her second loan which she plans to use to buy vehicle lubricants so she can continue business.